The bill would define bullying and ask schools to protect all students, train adults, ensure appropriate follow up to incidents, including prevention measures so that young people feel safe while at school.

Current anti-bullying legislation is spelled out in 37 words, and is considered the weakest in the country.

“Right now in Minnesota those most precious to us, our children, lack the protections and safety they deserve in school. Over 11% of all kids themselves tells they are bullied weekly; over 30% if they’re viewed as different. The 37 words we have on the books right now don’t accomplish anything to protect our kids. Children deserve to feel safe in school and if they are bullied we need to make sure it stops," said Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis, the chief author of the bill.